House Dems threaten boycott over abortion bill

Democrats have shut down business in the Florida House until Republican leaders agree not to take up controversial abortion issue passed by the Senate.

The Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida House has reconvened after a 40-minute delay over differences on a Republican push to toughen anti-abortion laws.

House Democrats temporarily brought House business to a halt Thursday, warning they wouldn't advance any legislation requiring a two-thirds vote until Republican leaders agree not to take up a bill (HB 1143) containing controversial abortion amendments.

There are 44 Democrats in the House, enough to stop any legislative action requiring a two-thirds vote.

In the first test vote of the day, the House was eight votes short of being able to move an otherwise non-controversial measure to a final vote. They resumed shortly before noon with a series of traditional farewell speeches by members.

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